The Coalition works in five work groups, meeting monthly to discuss and execute the plan to end homelessness in Oak Park.
Core Committee
The Core Committee of the Coalition meets monthly to discuss each work group’s progress and to set goals for the Coalition to make homelessness in Oak Park rare, brief and one time.
Members: Laura Brookes, Cheryl Potts, Anita Pindiur, Robert Simmons, Vanessa Matheny, Lynda Schueler, Gail Shelton, Andrea Ramirez, John Harris
Affordable Housing
The Affordable Housing Work Group works to advance housing policies that address the expansion and inclusion of affordable housing units throughout Oak Park. The work group also identifies gaps in housing services that meet the imminent needs of households experiencing housing instability. Recent successes include promoting the Community Builders development on Oak Park Avenue, the creation of an Interim Housing program at the Sojourner House on Austin Boulevard and the development of a community-wide Flexible Rental Assistance Program (FRAP) intended to meet the rental assistance needs of high-risk doubled-up households threatened by homelessness.
Co-Chairs: John Harris, Lynda Schueler
Members: Jonathan Burch, Mike Fox, Jeff Prior, Bill Planek, Dena Bell, Nisha St. Louis, Vanessa Matheny, David Pope, Perry Vietti, Patricia Stokes, Athena Williams, Andrea Ramirez, Deborah Wess
Career Pathways & Community Integration Work Group
The Career Pathways & Community Integration Work Group helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness connect to employment, education, and community services. The group brings together local employers, service providers, and community organizations to improve access to jobs, resources, and coordinated support that promotes long-term housing stability.
Co-Chairs: Gail Shelton, Anita Pindiur, Cheryl Potts
Members: Desiree Hines, Louda Lee, Latesha Pike, Chuckita Smith, Rashmi Swain, Felicia Spencer, Jane Bolton, Sarah Bielecki, Jordyn Beck, Laura Brookes, Cristina Flores, Liz Figueroa-Serrano, Mayra Delgado, Sharae Corbin, Armando Smith, Carmen Lopez, Michaela Therattil, Molly J. Luitjohan, Robert Simmons, Rosa Ordaz, Shannon Ellison, Elaine Phillips, Jasmine Johnson, John Harris, Leah Hatmaker, Nancy Schwartz, Nora Rodriguez, James Quandt, Jennifer Rook, Laura Crawford, Sue Warwick, Raunel Urquiza, Yazmin Morales, Megan Traficano, Mary Reynolds.
Communications & Advocacy
The Communications & Advoacy Work Group focuses primarily on communications and outreach work for the OPHC. This work group deals directly with community involvement and awareness through social media outreach, event planning and day-to-day communication.
Members: Libby Foster, Jayne Furlong, John Harris, Andrea Ramirez, Vanessa Matheny, Deborah Wess.
Street Outreach
The Street Outreach Work Group works on strengthening community touchpoints and mobilizes for advocacy. This group brings together community members working on the ground and supporting those experiencing homelessness.
Members: Aaron Alonzo, Andrea Ramirez, Betty Arguezo, Charles James, Chelly Richards, Cheryl Potts, Clerk Waters, Dave Jacobson, Elaine Phillips, Jan Arnold, Jenny Lamantia, John Harris, Laura Brookes, Laura Fry, Mary Anne Ojeda, Mary Naughton, Maxie Moses, Mike Kelly, Milina Wilson, Rahula Strohl, Romiesha Tucker, Sonya E. Smith, Terrence John Laucis Jr., Traci Kerzich, Vanessa Matheny.